(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The founding of the Gupta empire, built by alliance and war. In this episode, it emerges from the patchwork of small states and dominates the valley of the Ganges. But the first emperor's plan to pass the empire on to his favourite son might not go as smoothly as planned.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) It's the late 3rd century, and the world is changing. Empires which dominated India have crumbled, leaving a patchwork of small states. We see what this new world looked like from the great city of Pataliputra, and meet the kingdoms which will shape northern India over the centuries to come.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A brief introduction to the series and a story from perhaps the greatest Sanskrit writer of them all.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Pandiyas: crowned kings of South India, famous for hosting the legendary 'Sangam' academies of poets. We dig into those legends of the patrons and their poets, and unearth the truth within. Plus, a bonus quiz. Second of three specials on South India.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Cholas: crowned kings of South India, people of the sun, their tiger flags leading their armies into battle. We meet their kings and poets and hear about their generous spirit, their homeland, and their fates. First of three specials on South India.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In this special episode we take a virtual tour around the famous Buddhist monuments at Sanchi. We find a hidden stupa, search for the stories in the carvings, see through the invisible Buddha figures. And we see how this holy place fits into the lives of ancient Indians.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We continue our business trip from ancient India to Rome. We stop at Islands populated by Indian sailors, cross the great desert to the Nile, and finally making our way through the streets of Rome to sell our wares in the forum. Also, how did all this trade affect India and Rome? Listen and find out.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A business trip from Ancient India to Rome, stopping along the way to peer into spice carts heading for the coast, Indian ships, and the curious story of the Romans and the monsoon winds.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In this special episode, we live a morning in the life of a rich householder in Kushana India. Where did they wake up? What did they wear? And much more besides. Along the way we stop in on his wife and his slave.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Kanishka stupa deserves its place amongst the wonders of the world. But its splendor has been long forgotten, and the stupa itself has been wiped out. This week, we set about rediscovering it. We look at the construction of the wonder, and the religious fall out for Kanishka's empire and for Buddhism today.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The great city of Pataliputra had been destroyed. In this episode, the city will be rebuilt. But as soon as it reappears on the world stage, it will attract the attention of one of the greatest conquers in Indian history: Kanishka the great. Will the city survive yet another invasion? What was life like in the rebuilt city? Listen and find out.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Old tales tell of a king who threw out the invaders, full of cleverness and wisdom, a man so generous that he was always willing to sacrifice his own life to help one of his subjects. He founded his own calendar, which is still used today. These are the legends of King Vikramaditya.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Indian empires strike back. For too long, the Shaka invaders have dominated the land, and plundered its riches. This week, a new Indian king will take the throne. By force and guile he will throw the invaders back, off the Deccan plateau. But things are not all as they seem.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) India is under attack. Tribes fleeing from the great wall of China pour into India. We watch the first invasions sweep in from the North West. How far did these alien people get? How alien were they? Listen, and find out. [This podcast is a little louder, please let me know if the volume is wrong].

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The once grand Imperial capital has lost its lustre. Its people watch as the great and good leave their city. Those that remain face repeated invasion from west, south and north. In this episode we meet these invaders, explore their caves, and tell their stories. 

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) An ancient Indian love poem leads us to the pinnacle of two great houses: the Shungas who inherited an Indian empire, and the Indo-Greeks. After their fateful meeting, we watch as both houses begin their steady decline, until at last they slip out of view. [Audio slightly fuzzy. Apologies]

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Ancient Afghanistan: rich and fertile. Its Greek kings are powerful and ambitious enough to try to carve a new empire in India, cutting through the ruins of the old empire all the way to the walls of its grand capital city. Will the Greeks break through? To find out, listen on. 

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The story of the general who ended an empire. To consolidate his power, the general became a passionate supporter of the old-time religion. We look at the accusation that he persecuted the rival, Buddhist sect. And we learn how to perform his grandest ritual: the horse sacrifice.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) An introduction and apology for the series. What we'll be talking about, how I'll screw it up, and how a mysterious red liquor almost ruined ancient India.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We look at the lost religion of ancient India. We see its doctrines and seemingly harsh practices through the eyes of rival sects. And we ask how the apparent hostility between these sects changed the lives of average ancient Indians.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The guilds of ancient India. Trusted by townsfolk, feared by kings. This week, we find out how to join an ancient guild, and what to expect once you're a member. Then we take a voyage across Mauryan India with a member of a merchant guild.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In this episode, we look at how religion affected the life of the average ancient Indian.What rituals and sacrifices did an ancient Indian householder perform? What different religious views and ways of life did an ancient Indian have to choose between? Download, and find out.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We're joined by Prakhar Manas for a discussion of caste in ancient history, and it's effect on modern India.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we tackle the thorny issue of caste, and how important it was to day-to-day life in ancient India.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week we travel down to the three great kingdoms of South India: the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras. Sources are hard to find. We read them all and discover a unique culture with beautiful poetry and great cities.